Tanzania's Southern Safari Circuit includes some of the most remote and remarkable sights in Tanzania. Because it is less well known than the Northern Circuit it has fewer tourists and you will frequently be the only vehicle on the landscape.

Zanzibar, Mafia and Pemba- A visit to one of the islands of the Zanzibar archipelago is the perfect end to any Tanzania safari. What better way to relax after climbing Kilimanjaro, canoeing down the Rufiji River or gazing at grazers on the

West Tanzania presents a unique opportunity to escape the tourist crowds and enter the hear of the bush. You can see chimpanzees in their natural habitat at Gombe Stream or Mahale Mountains and trek through breathtaking forests. Kitavi is exceptional for

The flora and fauna of Tanzania are unparalleled in diversity in sub-Saharan Africa. Habitats vary from the snows of Kilimanjaro to the arid desert of the Masai Steppe. The Eastern Arc Mountain Range has just 2 percent of the land area of Tanzania and is home to around 40% of the species.

There are many types of adventure safari activities that, apart from the adrenaline rush from seeing a lion on a safari, will give you a sense of achievement and exhilaration. Tanzania also offers many other adventure locations apart from the typical big game safaris for example: mountain climbs, jungle treks and canoe safaris

Tanzania has a very diverse culture with over 120 tribes and rich Swahili history. You can visit established cultural exhibits of Masai and islands or take village tours, or leave the beaten track and see the real thing.

There are numerous educational activities available in Tanzania from adventurous treks up Mt Kilimanjaro to swimming with Dolphins in the Menai bay conservation area. Wild Things organises school and university trips to a wide range of locations focusing on different curriculum areas and group abilities.

Flowers

Flowers

Tanzania is not particularly famous as a destination for those with a floral interest, but this is changing soon with the addition of Kitulo National Park. In February 2002 the Government of Tanzania announced that it would be gazetting 13,500 hectares as a National Park. This is the first National Park in Tanzania to be gazetted primarily for its botanical importance.

The park promises more than a taste of paradise for botanists, birdwatchers and hikers. Known locally as Bustani ya Mungu ('God's Garden'), the plateau is extremely floral. 350 species of plants have been documented so far including 31 Tanzanian endemics, and 50 species of terrestrial orchids, numbers that continue to grow as more research is done. It is this abundance of flowers in the rainy season that creates 'one of the great floral spectacles of the world'.

Tanzania's floral diversity also includes the Saintpaulia, African Violets. Endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains, they were first discovered by Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire in 1892. They have since become widely cultivated as house plants, while the species itself is under great threat here in Tanzania due to habitat destruction.

Climbing Kilimanjaro gives an opportunity to see many endemic plants, some flowers, and some very strange looking high latitude species.

It would be unfair to put Tanzania's sole floral claim down to Kitulo Plateau and the African Violets. You will find beautiful displays of flowers in most of the national parks, particularly in the wetter months of April and May, known as the 'Green Season'. Gladiolus, flame lilys and fireball lilys name just a few of the vibrant species you might see on a game drive.

You will also be impressed with the riot of colour to be found in some of the major towns and cities and beach hotels. Huge walls of cheerful bougainvillea line many streets. Flower beds of Hibiscus can be found decorating car parks, while hotels and beach resorts have every reason to be proud of their stunning gardens.

Wild Things is one of the few companies that regularly takes visitors to the remote Kitulo plateau.

Where

Arusha Safari Park is a must for birdwatchers and for those interested in spectacular volcanic scenery. Mt Meru towers up from the park and the surrounding forests, lakes and craters are home to a multitude of different bird, plant and animal species.

Riverside Campsite is situated on the banks of the little Ruaha river with excellent birding which, combined with its rustic collection of chalets makes a pleasant safari stopover. It is well combined with a visit to Ruaha National Park or the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. It can be refreshingly cool at night so bring a fleece or jumper!

Sanje waterfall is the most spectacular waterfall in Tanzania. It is also the largest permanent waterfall with its main section being 180m tall. It is situated in beautiful Eastern Arc forest. This a great half or full day hike with endemic monkeys (Colobus and Mangeby), African violets and superb swimming in a plunge pool.